Lawmakers in Nassau County, New York, have passed a bill banning masks in public spaces, with exceptions for those wearing them for health, religious, or cultural reasons. The bill, approved by the Republican-dominated County Legislature, aims to deter violent protesters from concealing their identities.
Legislator Howard Kopel stated that the legislation was introduced in light of an increase in antisemitic incidents, particularly those involving masked individuals, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. The vote saw uniform support from all 12 Republican legislators, while the seven Democrats abstained.
The legislation follows comments from New York’s Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who in June mentioned the possibility of a mask ban in the New York City subway system, responding to a rise in mask-wearing protesters. However, no formal proposal has been made regarding that ban.
Critics, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, have condemned the Nassau County measure for potentially infringing on free speech. Susan Gottehrer, the group’s regional director for Nassau County, argued that masks are crucial for protecting individuals expressing unpopular political views, and enforcing such a ban could lead to doxxing and retaliation against protesters.
Under the new legislation, wearing a mask to hide one’s identity in public could lead to misdemeanor charges, with penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, individuals wearing masks for health, safety, or traditional cultural reasons will be exempt.
During a legislative session, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder assured that officers would differentiate between individuals wearing masks for legitimate reasons and those using them for criminal intent. Ryder emphasized that officers would engage with individuals rather than automatically arrest them.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is anticipated to sign the bill into law, stating that unless someone has a medical or religious reason, individuals should not cover their faces in a manner that conceals their identity in public.
The legislative chambers were filled with speakers both for and against the bill. Proponents argued that it would help ensure accountability for protesters engaging in harassment or violence, while opponents expressed concerns about infringing on health privacy and the equitable enforcement of the law across various communities. Democratic Legislator Arnold Drucker cautioned that the bill could undermine First Amendment rights.